Exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles

ABSTRACT

An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having a bracket which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A mirror casing is secured to the bracket. The mirror casing defines a primary opening. A primary mirror is disposed within the primary opening and provides a view rearward of the motor vehicle through a primary field of view. A spotting mirror is disposed adjacent the primary mirror. The spotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differing from the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides a secondary field of view rearward of the motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to exterior rear view mirror assemblies for motorvehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to exterior rear viewmirror assemblies that include a plurality of mirrors with differingfields of view.

2. Background of the Invention

Multiple mirrors in a rear view mirror assembly are common. The multiplemirrors include a primary mirror and what is typically referred to as asecondary or spotting mirror. This secondary reflector is locatedsomewhere adjacent the primary reflective surface and is used to aid theuser of the motor vehicle to increase his field of view around the motorvehicle.

The spotter mirror is typically curved to increase the field of viewrearward of the motor vehicle. Positioning of the auxiliary mirror withregard to the primary mirror is difficult and requires precision toensure that the field of view for each of the mirrors or reflectivesurfaces are aligned properly to maximize the ability of the user toincrease the field of view rearward of the motor vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosedhaving a bracket which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A mirrorcasing is secured to the bracket. The mirror casing defines a primaryopening. A primary mirror is disposed within the primary opening andprovides a view rearward of the motor vehicle through a primary field ofview. A spotting mirror is disposed adjacent the primary mirror. Thespotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differingfrom the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides asecondary field of view rearward of the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention,partially cutaway;

FIGS. 1A through 1C are cross-sectional views of three separateembodiments taken along lines 1A-1A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a rearview of another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional rearview taken along lines 2A-2A ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a rearview of another alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional rearview taken along lines 3A-3A ofFIG. 3; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of a motor vehicle with the invention securedthereto and schematically identifying the fields of view created by themirror assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, an exterior rearview mirror assembly is generallyindicated at 10. The exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 is fixedlysecured to a motor vehicle 12 on a side 14 thereof. This is best seen inFIG. 4. While only one exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 is shown, itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a second exteriorrearview mirror assembly 10 may be fixedly secured to a side oppositethe side 14 of the motor vehicle 12.

The exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 includes a bracket, graphicallyrepresented in FIGS. 1 and 4 by a bracket cover 16. The bracket 16 ismounted to the side 14 of the motor vehicle 12. The mounting thereof iscovered by a sail 18, which is an aesthetic piece that also is able toimprove the aerodynamics of the exterior rearview mirror assembly 10.

The exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 also includes a mirror casing20. The mirror casing 20 is secured to the bracket 16. The mirror casing20 defines a primary opening 22. The primary opening 22 faces rearwardof the motor vehicle 12. For purposes of this disclosure, the directionrearward is the direction opposite the direction in which the motorvehicle 12 is going when it is driving in a forward direction.Therefore, the mirror casing 20 includes a forward surface 24 whichextends forward of the exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 (best seenin FIG. 4). The mirror casing 20 is generally closed but for the primaryopening 22. In many embodiments, the mirror casing 20 includes exteriorlighting units for illuminating the mirror casing 20 depending on theparticular situation. Examples of lighting units include turn signalsand ground illumination lighting units. Such units may be incorporatedinto the mirror casing without deviating from the invention. The mirrorcasing 20 also includes a neck 26 which extends out from the mirrorcasing 20 and is received by the brackets 16. It should be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the function of the neck 26 may beassumed by the brackets 16 resulting in a mirror casing 20 without aneck 26.

Referring to all the Figures, the exterior rearview mirror assembly 10includes a primary mirror 28 which is disposed within the primaryopening 22. The primary mirror 28 provides a view rearward of the motorvehicle 12. An operator 30 using the primary mirror 28 will see aprimary field of view 32 as shown in FIG. 4.

The exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 also includes a spotting orsecondary mirror 34. The spotting mirror 34 is disposed adjacent theprimary mirror 28. The spotting mirror 34 defines a single radius ofcurvature which is different from the primary mirror 28 such that thespotting mirror 34 provides a secondary field of view 36 rearward of themotor vehicle. The spotting mirror 34 is defined by the single radius ofcurvature and that radius is a defined, finite number. The primarymirror 28 is substantially planar or flat defining a primary plane and,therefore, has a radius of curvature that is infinite. As such, theradius of curvature for the spotting mirror 34 is different than theradius of curvature for the primary mirror 28. In the embodiment shown,the spotting mirror 34 has a radius of curvature that is less than theradius of curvature of the primary mirror 28. The exterior rearviewmirror assembly 10 is configured such that the primary field of view 32and the secondary field of view 36 overlap to create an overlap field ofview 38. The overlap field of view 38 is desired to ensure that theoperator 30 does not miss anything between the perspective fields ofview 32, 36 of the primary 28 and spotting 34 mirrors.

The exterior rearview mirror assembly 10 includes a single mirrorsupport 40 which supports both the primary mirror 28 and the spottingmirror 34 with respect to each other within the primary opening 22. Morespecifically, the single mirror support 40 is used to position theprimary mirror 28 and the spotting mirror 34 such that the primary fieldof view and the secondary field of view 36 create an overlap field ofview 38. By using a single mirror support 40, the relationship betweenthe secondary field of view 36 and the primary field of view 32 isconstant and is not dependent upon the quality of the assemblingprocedures.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the single mirror support 40 defines a primaryportion 42 and a spotting portion 44. The primary portion 42 includes anarea substantially equal to the area defined by the primary mirror 28.The primary mirror 28 is fixedly secured to the primary portion 42 ofthe single mirror support 40. Likewise, the spotting portion 44 of thesingle mirror support 40 has the spotting mirror 34 fixedly securedthereto. The primary portion 42 and the spotting portion 44 of thesingle mirror support 40 have radii of curvature which mirror the radiiof curvature for the spotting mirror 34 and the primary mirror 28respectively. More specifically, the primary portion 42 defines aprimary plane 46 that is substantially flat and the spotting portion 44defines a spotting mirror radius of curvature that is substantiallyequal to the single radius of curvature 35. The primary plane 46 and thesingle radius of curvature 35 are best seen in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C, alternative embodiments of theinvention are shown. In particular, the alternative embodiments, whereinreferenced numerals are offset by 100, the spotting mirror 34 ispositioned with respect to the primary mirror 28 differently througheach of the three embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, FIG. 1A, thespotting mirror 34 is disposed in a position such that an edge 47 of thespotting mirror 34 is coplanar with the primary mirror 28. In FIG. 1B,the spotting mirror 134 is forward of or recessed to the primary mirror28. And in FIG. 1C, the spotting mirror 234 is rearward or proud of theprimary mirror 128. In the first and second alternative embodimentsshown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, respectively, a divider 148, 248 extendsbetween the spotting mirror 134, 234, and the primary mirror 128, 228.The divider 148, 248 is an extension of the single mirror support 140,240. The divider 148, 248 provides a visible separation to the twodifferent reflective elements.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, third and fourth alternativeembodiments are generally shown. In these embodiments, the divider 148,248 is not present. In these embodiments, the spotting mirror 34 and theprimary mirror 28 appear to be more of a unified structure without thedivision therebetween.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B, fifth and sixth embodiments of theinvention are shown. FIG. 3 represents a side view of both embodimentsshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, the spotting mirror 534 defines aperiphery 550. The periphery 550 includes a rim flange 552 that extendsthereabout the periphery 550. The rim flange 552 extends underneath aportion of the primary mirror 528.

The single mirror support 540 defines a flange channel 554 whichreceives a portion of the rim flange 552 therein. The rim flange 552being seated within the flange channel 554 and partially covered by theprimary mirror 528 accurately positions the spotting mirror 534 withrespect to the primary mirror 528.

The rim flange 552 includes a rim extension 556. The rim extension 556extends out from the rim flange 552 perpendicularly thereto. A top face558 of the rim extension 556 is the surface that is disposed adjacent aback side 560 of the primary mirror 528.

In FIG. 3A, the spotting mirror 534 defines an outer reflective surface562 that defines a single radius of curvature. This outer reflectivesurface is a coated surface that includes a chrome or chrome-likematerial.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the spotting mirror 634 includes an outer flatsurface 664 and an inner reflective surface 667. The inner reflectivesurface 667 is coated with a reflective material. In this seventhembodiment, the spotting mirror 634 is fabricated from a translucentpolymer resin to allow the light impinging thereupon to pass through thespotting mirror 634 with as little refraction as possible. The innerreflective surface 667 is curved such that the reflection on the innerreflective surface will create the necessary secondary field of viewwhich will overlap the primary field of view created by the primarymirror 628.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to beunderstood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to bein the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in lightof the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced other than as specificallydescribed.

1. An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle, saidexterior rearview mirror assembly comprising: a bracket fixedly securedto the motor vehicle; a mirror casing secured to said bracket, saidmirror casing defining a primary opening; a single mirror supportmovably secured within said mirror casing disposed adjacent said primaryopening; a primary mirror fixedly secured to said single mirror supportand disposed within said primary opening for providing a view rearwardof the motor vehicle through a primary field of view; and a spottingmirror fixedly secured to said single mirror support and disposedadjacent said primary mirror, said spotting mirror defined by a singleradius of curvature differing from said primary mirror such that saidspotting mirror provides a second field of view rearward of the motorvehicle, such that said first field of view of said primary mirroroverlaps said second field of view of said spotting mirror.
 2. Anexterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidsingle mirror support defines a primary portion for having said primarymirror fixedly secured thereto and a spotting portion for having saidspotting mirror fixedly secured thereto.
 3. An exterior rearview mirrorassembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said primary portion of saidsingle mirror support defines a primary plane that is substantiallyflat.
 4. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 3wherein said spotting portion of said single mirror support defines aspotting mirror support radius of curvature substantially equal to saidsingle radius of curvature.
 5. An exterior rearview mirror assembly asset forth in claim 4 wherein said spotting portion is forward of saidprimary plane.
 6. An exterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth inclaim 4 wherein said spotting portion is substantially rearward of saidprimary plane.
 7. An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motorvehicle, said exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising: a bracketfixedly secured to the motor vehicle; a mirror casing secured to saidbracket, said mirror casing defining a primary opening; a primary mirrordisposed within said primary mirror for providing a view rearward of themotor vehicle through a primary field of view; a spotting mirrordisposed adjacent said primary mirror, said spotting mirror defining aperiphery and including a rim flange extending thereabout; and a singlemirror support for supporting said primary mirror and said spottingmirror with respect to each other and within said primary opening, saidsingle mirror support including a flange channel for receiving a portionof said rim flange therein.
 8. An exterior rearview mirror assembly asset forth in claim 7 wherein a portion of said rim flange extendsbetween said primary mirror and said single mirror support to accuratelyposition said spotting mirror with respect to said primary mirror.
 9. Anexterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein aportion of said rim flange includes a rim extension extendingperpendicularly to said rim flange.
 10. An exterior rearview mirrorassembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said spotting mirror defines anouter reflective surface having a single radius of curvature.
 11. Anexterior rearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein saidspotting mirror defines an inner reflective surface.
 12. An exteriorside mirror assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said innerreflective surface defines a single radius of curvature.
 13. An exteriorrearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said spottingmirror is fabricated from a translucent polymer resin.
 14. An exteriorrearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said innerreflective surface is coated with a reflective material.
 15. An exteriorrearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein saidreflective material is chrome.
 16. An exterior rearview mirror assemblyfor a motor vehicle, said exterior rearview mirror assembly comprising:a bracket fixedly secured to the motor vehicle; a mirror casing securedto said bracket, said mirror casing defining a primary opening; aprimary mirror disposed within said primary opening for providing a viewrearward of the motor vehicle through a primary field of view, saidprimary mirror defining a primary plane; a spotting mirror spaced apartfrom said primary mirror, said spotting mirror extending through asecondary plane different from said primary plane; and a dividerextending between said primary mirror and said spotting mirror toseparate said primary and secondary mirrors visually.
 17. An exteriorrearview mirror assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said spottingmirror is forward of said primary plane.
 18. An exterior rearview mirrorassembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said spotting mirror isrearward of said primary plane.